Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Poisoning: A 20-Year Retrospective Analysis with Literature Review
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Abstract
Keywords
Abstract
Aim: This study aims to evaluate the demographic characteristics, types of poisoning, exposure routes, clinical findings, treatments, and outcomes of pediatric patients presenting to a pediatric emergency department for poisoning.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 467 pediatric poisoning cases presenting to a tertiary hospital pediatric emergency department. Food poisoning cases were excluded. Data were collected from emergency department records.
Results: Of 467 cases, 240 (51.4%) were male and 227 (48.6%) were female, with a mean age of 5.4±4.6 years. The 1-5 age group had the highest incidence (58.2%). In the 0-1 age group, there were 26 cases (5.57%), 272 cases (58.24%) in the 1-5 age group, 96 cases (20.56%) in the 6-10 age group, and 73 cases (15.63%) in the >10 age group. Intentional poisoning occurred in 5.4%, predominantly in females aged >10 years (18/25, 72%). Common toxic agents were medications (37.5%), carbon monoxide (28.9%), and corrosives (23.6%). Most patients (255, 54.6%) presented within 2 hours of exposure. Gastric lavage was performed in 210 cases (45.0%), activated charcoal was administered to 218 cases (46.7%), and antidotes were given to 16 cases (3.4%). One fatality occurred (0.2% mortality rate) due to tricyclic antidepressant overdose.
Conclusions: Pediatric poisoning predominantly affects children aged 1-5 years, with medications being the leading cause. Early presentation resulted in low mortality (0.2%). While our historical data provides valuable baseline information, continuous surveillance and adaptive prevention strategies remain essential for addressing evolving poisoning patterns in pediatric populations.
Keywords
Pediatric poisoning, emergency department, toxic agents, intentional poisoning, accidental ingestion
